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Epigenetics axis

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Role of epigenetic (DNA methylation) as a component of phenotypic plasticity and adaptation in response to water deficit in forest trees

 

A. Delaunay, A. Duplan, R. Fichot, I. Le Jan, S. Maury*

 

* contact: stephane.maury@univ-orleans.fr

 

We define epigenetics as the study of all the processes affecting the expression of genes and/or the activity of transposable elements (TEs) without altering the DNA sequence that may be heritable by mitosis (during development) and/or meiosis (across generations). We focus mainly on DNA methylation as a chromatin mark involved in epigenetic phenomenon. As Poplar is a model tree (clonal propagation, sequenced genome, …) and drought is one of the major factors of climate change in relation to forest decline, we have a relevant experimental model to study the role of epigenetics in tree phenotypic plasticity, priming (ability of plant to memorise a stress exposure and react more efficiently during a second stress challenge) and local adaptation (Figure 1). This is also particularly relevant with the other axes of the team ARCHE and allows an integrative analysis from molecular to individuals and populations.

 

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How epigenetics in trees can play a role in plasticity, priming and adaptation

Figure 1: How epigenetics in trees can play a role in plasticity, priming and adaptation (adapted from Sow et al., 2018).
 
Our objective: A better understanding of the role of DNA methylation in trees and the potential uses for forest tree breeding, management of conservation of genetic resources. 
 
Our skills: We are developing an integrative multi-omic approach combining forward and reverse (epi)genetic as well as population epigenomics. For 20 years, we have continuously followed the evolution of DNA methylation methods (Figure 2) as shown below. Actually, WGBS (Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing), Capture Bisulfite Sequencing and Global methylation with HPLC are our references. Using these approaches and bioinformatics, we analyse DNA methylation at different scales (Figure 3).

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DNA methylation methods

Figure 2: DNA methylation methods. (adapted from Li and Tollefsbol, 2021)

 

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Study of DNA methylation at different scales

Figure 3: Study of DNA methylation at different scales.
 

Some outputs of our work:

  • Contribution to plant physiology by integrating epigenetic and hormonal controls in meristem activity (Figure 4).
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Interplay between epigenetics and hormones to control plant plasticity in meristems

Figure 4: Interplay between epigenetics and hormones to control plant plasticity in meristems. (Adapted from Maury et al., 2019)
 

  • Contribution to include epigenetics in crop breeding strategy (Figure 5)
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Use of epigenetics in crop breeding strategy

Figure 5: Use of epigenetics in crop breeding strategy. (adapted from Kakoulidou et al., 2021)
 
 
 
Some of our projects, collaborators, and networks:
EcoDiv department INRAE

ANR EPITREE (2018-2023; S. MAURY coordinator)

COST action EPICATCH (2020-2024; S. MAURY WG1 leader)

Workshop "Epigenetics in woody plant" for EPICATCH et EPITREE projects

28-29 september 2023, INRAE Orléans Centre, slideshow available below:

COST action COPYTREE (2022-2026; S. MAURY MC member)

RTR3E and GDR3E (Epigenetic Ecology Evolution, 2013-2023) CNRS

Also collaborating with ESE Agrocampus Rennes, IHPE Perpignan, Oregon University USA, CBGP Madrid Spain, ForGen Lab Lisbon Portugal (co-direction PhD thesis Raquel Santos 2022-2026) … 
 
 
Read our articles: https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/search/index/?q=LBLGC&sort=producedDate_tdate+desc&labStructName_t=Laboratoire+de+Biologie+des+Ligneux+et+des+Grandes+Cultures&authIdPerson_i=753333
 
Some websites with our activities:
https://www.larep.fr/orleans-45000/actualites/peut-on-ameliorer-la-tolerance-des-arbres-face-au-changement-climatique-la-decouverte-inedite-de-l-universite-d-orleans_14001301/
https://webtv.univ-lille.fr/video/9286/quel-interet-d%E2%80%99etudier-les-mecanismes-epigenetiques-chez-les-plantes-
https://www.radiocampustours.com/2021/08/05/la-meridienne-inrae-stephane-maury-projet-epitree/
https://youtu.be/eWOxDDYMoVQ
https://youtu.be/3aJNN8tUimI